Our Story

Black and white photograph of a restaurant kitchen with two plates of food on a counter, one with dessert and the other with a pastry or sandwich, with a person’s hand reaching for something in the background.
A person holding a blue and white floral patterned plate with a cinnamon roll sprinkled with powdered sugar on a white and brown wooden surface.
“As President of Les Dames d’Escoffier London, it is a joy to lead a community of women who lift one another up and believe deeply in the power of food to connect, inspire and create opportunity. We are passionate about making women in food, beverage, and hospitality visible, valued and supported to lead in our local communities and across the world. Through shared knowledge, mentorship and philanthropy, we celebrate achievement, nurture the next generation. Working together to build a more inclusive, generous and vibrant future for our industry. ”
— Dame Cathy Sloman

Our mission is to connect and empower women in food, beverage and hospitality through community, education and philanthropy supporting career development, fostering leadership and creating opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the wider industry.

What we stand for

At the heart of LDEI is a commitment to leadership, learning and impact for good.

  • Philanthropy: Creating lasting change by giving back to the industries and communities we love

  • Diversity & Inclusion: Celebrating and valuing differences across cultures, backgrounds and experiences

  • Leadership & Professional Development: Supporting lifelong learning, mentoring and career growth

  • Professional Excellence: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, ethics and conduct

  • Innovation: Staying relevant, open and responsive in an ever-changing world

Everything we do is rooted in generosity, collaboration and the belief that when women support women, everyone benefits.

Find out about our membership
Female chef in white shirt and black apron in a colorful kitchen.

Our current board

A woman with gray hair and glasses smiling, wearing a white apron with the words "BREAD AHEAD BAKERY & SCHOOL" printed on it, standing next to a bakery rack inside a bakery or market. There is a sign behind her that reads "Borough Market Bread Ahead Bakery & School".

Catherine Sloman
President

Cathy is a culinary teacher, running her own cookery school, Kitchen Confidence, aimed at encouraging a love of the kitchen. She teaches at London’s Bread Ahead Bakery and at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork. Cathy supports the Luminary Bakery, teaching their regular bread baking Masterclass, working with disadvantaged women to help turn their lives around.

A woman with blonde hair styled in loose curls, wearing a black top and a purple patterned scarf tied around her neck, smiling at the camera.

Kate Howell
Vice President

Kate is a strategic communications leader specialising in food and community impact, championing women’s leadership and equity across the sector. A former senior leader at Borough Market, she advises boards on purpose, reputation, and inclusive growth. Kate serves as 3rd Vice President of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, connecting food, culture and communities through values-led communication.  

A woman with blonde hair tied up, wearing a patterned sweater, light blue jeans with rolled-up cuffs, and black combat boots, is squatting on a windowsill with a water bottle beside her, in front of a large window with a cityscape view.

Sarah Thompson
Secretary

Sarah, otherwise known as Sussex Kitchen, specialises in hospitality and tourism PR and journalism. With over 20 years’ experience, from distilling to an MA in non-factual Film and TV, she is a natural storyteller who creates thoughtful, impactful communications for hotels, restaurants, festivals and emerging food businesses, inspired by a lifelong love of food, travel and discovering exceptional producers.

A woman with short white hair and a white shirt is being kissed on the cheek by a baby goat. The goat has light fur and blue eyes. There is a wooden barn or stable background.

Debbie Vernon
Treasurer

Debbie is a dairy goat farmer and cheesemaker with a passion for regenerative farming.  Past lives as a senior IT manager, archivist and archaeologist have provided valuable and diverse experience and her lifelong interest in alternative and herbal medicine also led her to work as a professional aromatherapist and masseur for several years.  She is committed to promoting optimum health through excellent nutrition and ethical farming methods.

A timeline of our history

  • In New York City, Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is founded by food journalist Carol Brock to recognise, support and connect women leaders in food, drink and hospitality.
    The organisation grows into a global philanthropic network with more than 2,600 members across the world.

  • Inspired by the LDEI vision, Sue Carter and Valentina Harris establish Les Dames d’Escoffier London, the first UK chapter.

    Their aim: to bring together women from every corner of the food and hospitality world and to champion the next generation through mentorship and philanthropy.

  • The early years see a growing membership, the first in-person gatherings, the creation of bursaries and charitable giving.

    LDE London quickly expands beyond the capital, welcoming members from across the UK and Ireland.

  • Fundraising events support women’s education and a range of charities including The Food Chain and The Felix Project. The Kate Ray Bursary Fund provides young women with professional training placements
    at renowned institutions such as The Waterside Inn and William Curley Chocolates.

  • During the pandemic the Chapter uses income from its successful Edible Tours to waive member dues, demonstrating care and solidarity at a time of challenge for the hospitality sector.

  • In-person events resume and new partnerships flourish with organisations such as Food Behind Bars, The Luminary Bakery and Hospitality Action.

    The Chapter focuses on inclusion, mentorship and celebrating the breadth of women’s leadership across food and drink.

  • A year of renewal: revised bylaws, new leadership team, and a surge in activity across communications, events, and philanthropy. International culinary tours Edible Scotland, Edible London, and Edible Cork strengthen connections across chapters.

  • LDE London enters its sixteenth year with a thriving membership, new learning and community programmes, and record fundraising. The Chapter continues to grow, mentor and give back, carrying forward its founding mission to make things better for the next generation.